But while Black Cats’ chief David Moyes admits his absence is a crushing blow to his relegation-haunted side, Pickford won’t require surgery after damaging his knee in a collision with team-mate Papy Djilibodji.

Italian Vito Mannone will make his first appearance since August against Burnley at Turf Moor this weekend.

Mannone started the campaign as Sunderland’s No. 1 before breaking his elbow in a freak training ground accident.

That opened the door for Pickford, who, in the past four months, has established himself as heir-apparent to Joe Hart as England keeper.

Danny Murphy's Premier League team of the year

DANNY MURPHY picked two Liverpool stars in his best Premier League team of 2016.

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Danny Murphy's Premier League team of the year

“We’re looking at between six and eight weeks for Jordan”

Sunderland manager David Moyes

Moyes said: “We’re looking at between six and eight weeks for Jordan.

“It’s a major disappointment for him and for us because he has been saving us points.

“But the good news is that he hasn’t ruptured his ACL. The injury is more of a strain.”

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Jordan Pickford suffered the injury while playing against Manchester United

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Vito Mannone will replace Pickford between the sticks for Sunderland

Mannone has twice been voted Sunderland’s Player of the Year but has become increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team chances since returning to full fitness.

Moyes added: “Vito has been training for several weeks since his injury and is fine.

“It’s good we can call upon someone with his experience.”

Adnan Januzaj, who missed the game at Old Trafford as he was ineligible to play against his parent club, is back in the Black Cats’ squad for the trip to Burnley.

An away win would see Sunderland close the gap on their rivals to three points but a second away defeat inside a week would open up a nine point gap between the two clubs.